This is one of a series of workshops being conducted by the State Museum and State Library and Archives. Great stuff that, if not grant funded, would cost some $$ to attend. Tell your friends about it.

This was sent to me by a conservation professional and member of the Society of Tennessee Archivists. Sounds interesting and the price is good for those of you in East TN:

The Reece Museum at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City Tennessee will host 3 collections care workshops in June. To register for any of the workshops call (423) 439 – 8084 or (800) 222 – 3878.

Collections Management Workshop: June 1, 2009, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The workshop costs $50 (Includes materials, morning refreshments, and lunch) and will be led by Myers Brown, Curator of Extension Services, Tennessee State Museum. Limited seating. Limited seating. First come, first serve. Registration must be paid by May 18.

This workshop will deliver hands-on experience for staff and volunteers of local public museums, local history associations, and owners of private collections and museums. Attendees will also learn basic standards of good practice for managing collections, including processing, cataloguing, proper archival storage, and basic conversation techniques. Each participant will be provided a box of archival materials for use during the workshop and for take-home.

Family Collections and Scrapbooks Workshop: June 8, 2009, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Workshop costs $35 (includes materials) and will be led by Carol Roberts, Director of Preservation Services, Tennessee State Library and Archives, and Amber Barfield, Documents Conservator, Tennessee State Library and Archives. Limited seating. First come, first serve. Registration must be paid by May 25.

This workshop will deliver hands-on experience for community residents and students. Attendees will also learn basic archival standards of good practice for preserving and caring for personal and family collections such as photographs, letters, diaries, journals, business papers, and scrapbooks. Topics will include proper archival storage, basic conservation techniques, and modern scrapbooking methods within archival standards for preservation.

Textile Care Workshop: June 22, 2009, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The Workshop costs $35 (includes materials and refreshment) and will be led by Myers Brown, Curator of Extension Services, Tennessee State Museum. Limited seating. First come, first serve. Registration must be paid by June 8.

This workshop will deliver hands-on experience for community residents and students who are interested in the preservation of personal textile collections, such as quilts, clothing, and table linens. Attendees will also learn basic museum standards of good practice for preserving and caring for personal textiles, including proper cleaning, archival storage, and basic conservation techniques.